Often reduced to “baby blues” a state of heightened emotions due to hormonal changes after the birth of a child. This may lead to feelings of guilt or confusion when the “baby blues” do not go away on their own after what is considered a normal amount of time. Weepiness, sadness, lack of motivation, difficulty bonding with baby, anxiety and mood swings are often signs of postpartum depression. One might think there is no need for alarm and it will pass on it’s own eventually.

A state of feeling profoundly sad, down or overwhelmed after having a baby. Often unrecognized by the mother herself leaving her feeling inadequate, unsure of herself, and incapable. If signs are recognized as PPD she might be reluctant to seek support due to embarrassment or shame. Onset could be as early as hours after having the baby but can take as long as months after delivery for someone to realize mother’s state. Mixed feelings arise as guilt and confusion are common. Mother loves and cares about baby but feels sad, down, and may have difficulty mustering the willpower or motivation to get through the day.

Mother should know that this is not a sign of weakness. She should not let feelings of shame, guilt or worthlessness keep her from seeking counsel or help. A dependable support system is crucial for mother’s road to recovery. Plenty of rest, emotional support, encouragement, help with baby and daily tasks are encouraged and appreciated.

If you are struggling with depression of any kind, I encourage you to seek the help and advice of a trained professional. There is life beyond depression, there are colors in shades you haven’t seen and joy in degrees that you have to experience to believe. Please don’t let feelings of guilt, shame or worthlessness keep you from seeking the help you need to get better. You matter, you are important, this does not define you. If you know someone with depression, your kindness, patience, and support in any way you can offer it is appreciated more than you know even if that person isn’t able to express it in a way that makes you feel that’s the case.

This post is part of the A-Z challenge. For details on the challenge, click here.

Core post summing up what the challenge is about, why I signed up, and what my theme is.

32 Replies to “A-Z Challenge Post: Definition of an Emotion”

I know exactly how it feels too. I’m no stranger to depression. Thankfully I’m not in it now but I have been in it, several times. I know the signs. I take the meds. They help!
The worst thing that anyone can say to a depressed person is “snap out of it! Just change your mindset.” Those are words from people who don’t understand. The world needs educating.
Thanks for the part you played in furthering that education!

Sometimes people have the best of intentions but there are somethings that you just can’t have an understanding of unless you’ve been there. I’m glad that you aren’t there anymore, wishing you many years of health and happiness 🙂

Morning, this is incredible……..snap, I never mentioned Baby blues, because I knew someone else would touch on that, as there are lots of mamas out there, great post, we still seem to be in sync., Have a great day

Great and necessary post Niki – and a reminder to reach out to those that suffer from this terrible illness. The depressed person doesn’t really think of reaching out so it is we who must let them know that we are there for them .. I’m going to message my brother NOW – he lives far away so I can’t see him. But I will message him … thank you.

Thank you for this post! It is really important to talk about this.I was thinking myself about writing on this topic,but i have decided to repost one of my older posts.My personal take on this thema.Keep up good work,Niki!

Depression is something, which is engulfing many people these days, thanks to this excessively stressful life! But the problem is people are so time bound, that they ignore the typical symptoms of depression thinking it to be tiredness when actually they are depressed…
Depression can be really dangerous and needs to be tackled with care!

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